A Critical Survey of Dithiocarbamate Reversible Addition‐Fragmentation Chain Transfer (RAFT) Agents in Radical Polymerization

This article provides a critical review of the properties, synthesis, and applications of dithiocarbamates Z′Z″NC(=S)SR as mediators in reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. These are among the most versatile RAFT agents. Through choice of substituents on nitrogen (Z′, Z″), the polymerization of most monomer types can be controlled to provide living characteristics (i.e., low dispersities, high end‐group fidelity, and access to complex architectures). These include the more activated monomers (MAMs; e.g., styrenes and acrylates) and the less activated monomers (LAMs; e.g., vinyl esters and vinylamides). Dithiocarbamates with balanced activity (e.g., 1H‐pyrazole‐1‐carbodithioates) or switchable RAFT agents [e.g., a N‐methyl‐N‐(4‐pyridinyl)dithiocarbamate] allow control MAMs and LAMs with a single RAFT agent and provide a pathway to low‐dispersity poly(MAM)‐block‐poly(LAM). © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019 , 57, 216–227     

Bifunctional 2‐(alkoxycarbonothioylthio)acetic acids for the synthesis of TiO2‐poly(vinyl acetate) nanocomposites via RAFT polymerization

Reversible addition‐fragmentation chain‐transfer (RAFT) polymerization has been known as a convenient method for the synthesis of polymers of designed molecular structures. Of particular interest are bifunctional or multifunctional chain‐transfer agents (CTAs) which could be employed in the development of advanced materials via RAFT polymerization. In the present study, four bifunctional 2‐(alkoxycarbonothioylthio) RAFT CTAs with ? COOH functionalities containing methoxy, ethoxy, isopropoxy, and octyloxy groups, respectively, were synthesized and characterized by FTIR and NMR spectroscopy. Polymerizations of vinyl acetate using these CTAs exhibited increased molecular weight with consumption of monomer and relatively narrow dispersities, indicative of living polymerization behavior. The effect of the concentration of 2‐(ethoxycarbonothioylthio) acetic acid on the polymerization was examined, revealing that higher concentration of CTA led to lower molecular weight and narrower dispersity. As an example of the application of the synthesized bifunctional CTAs, TiO₂‐poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) nanocomposites were synthesized via a one‐pot process and characterized by TGA, DSC, TEM, and affinity test, suggesting attachment of PVAc onto the nano‐TiO₂ particles. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014 , 52, 606–618     

Modulating Polymer Dispersity with Light: Cationic Polymerization of Vinyl Ethers Using Photochromic Initiators

Deterministic methods for tuning polymer dispersity are rare, especially for nonradical polymerizations. Reported here is the first example of photomodulating dispersity in controlled cationic polymerizations of vinyl ethers using carboxy‐functionalized dithienylethene initiators. Reversible photoisomerization of these initiators induces changes in their acidities by up to an order of magnitude. Using the more acidic, ring‐closed isomers as initiators results in polymers with lower dispersities. The degree of light‐induced pK_a change in the initiators correlates with the degree of dispersity change in polymers derived from the isomeric initiators. The polymerizations are controlled, and dynamic photoswitching of dispersity during the polymerization reaction was demonstrated. This work provides a framework for photomodulating dispersity in other controlled polymerizations and developing one‐pot block copolymerization reactions in which the dispersities of component blocks can be controlled using light.     

Highly efficient and well‐controlled ambient temperature RAFT polymerization of glycidyl methacrylate under visible light radiation

A range of well‐defined poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA) polymers and their corresponding block copolymers were synthesized via 2‐cyanoprop‐2‐yl(4‐fluoro) dithiobenzoate or CPFDB‐mediated ambient temperature reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer radical polymerization or RAFT polymerization under environmentally friendly visible light radiation (λ = 405–577 nm), using a (2,4,6‐trimethylbenzoyl) diphenylphosphine oxide photoinitiator. As comparison, CPFDB‐mediated ambient temperature RAFT polymerizations of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) under both full‐wave radiation (λ = 254–577 nm) and long‐wave radiation (λ = 365–577 nm) were also studied in this article. The results indicated that CPFDB moieties were significantly photolyzed under either full‐wave radiation or long‐wave radiation, thus undermining the controlled behavior of these RAFT processes. Whereas this photolysis was significantly suppressed under visible light radiation, thus CPFDB functionalities exerted well control over RAFT process, leading to a remarkably living behavior up to 90% GMA monomer conversions. This strategy facilitates the facile synthesis of well‐defined PGMA polymers. More importantly, under visible light radiation, a relatively high initial molar ratio of GMA to CPFDB and TPO led to shortening initialization period of RAFT process and accelerating overall polymerization rate. These effects are remarkably in favor of the facile synthesis of well‐defined PGMA polymers and PGMA‐based copolymers with high molecular weights. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 5091–5102, 2007     

Controlled Bimodal Molecular‐Weight‐Distribution Polymers: Facile Synthesis by RAFT Polymerization

The RAFT agents RAFT‐1 and RAFT‐2 were used for RAFT polymerization to synthesize well‐defined bimodal molecular‐weight‐distribution (MWD) polymers. The system showed excellent controllability and “living” characteristics toward both the higher‐ and lower‐molecular‐weight fractions. It is important that bimodal higher‐molecular‐weight (HMW) polymers and block copolymers with both well‐controlled molecular weight (MW) and MWD could be prepared easily due to the “living” features of RAFT polymerization. The strategy realized a mixture of higher/lower‐molecular‐weight polymers at the molecular level but also preserved the features of living radical polymerization (LRP) of the RAFT polymerization.     

Achieving Ultrahigh Molecular Weights with Diverse Architectures for Unconjugated Monomers through Oxygen-Tolerant Photoenzymatic RAFT Polymerization

Achieving well-defined polymers with ultrahigh molecular weight (UHMW) is an enduring pursuit in the field of reversible deactivation radical polymerization. Synthetic protocols have been successfully developed to achieve UHMWs with low dispersities exclusively from conjugated monomers while no polymerization of unconjugated monomers has provided the same level of control. Herein, an oxygen-tolerant photoenzymatic RAFT (reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer) polymerization was exploited to tackle this challenge for unconjugated monomers at 10 °C, enabling facile synthesis of well-defined, linear and star polymers with near-quantitative conversions, unprecedented UHMWs and low dispersities. The exquisite level of control over composition, MW and architecture, coupled with operational ease, mild conditions and environmental friendliness, broadens the monomer scope to include unconjugated monomers, and to achieve previously inaccessible low-dispersity UHMWs.     

Mechanoredox Catalysis Enables a Sustainable and Versatile Reversible Addition-Fragmentation Chain Transfer Polymerization Process

The sustainable synthesis of macromolecules with control over sequence and molar mass remains a challenge in polymer chemistry. By coupling mechanochemistry and electron-transfer processes (i.e., mechanoredox catalysis), an energy-conscious controlled radical polymerization methodology is realized. This work explores an efficient mechanoredox reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization process using mechanical stimuli by implementing piezoelectric barium titanate and a diaryliodonium initiator with minimal solvent usage. This mechanoredox RAFT process demonstrates exquisite control over poly(meth)acrylate dispersity and chain length while also showcasing an alternative to the solution-state synthesis of semifluorinated polymers that typically utilize exotic solvents and/or reagents. This chemistry will find utility in the sustainable development of materials across the energy, biomedical, and engineering communities.     

Oxygen‐Initiated and Regulated Controlled Radical Polymerization under Ambient Conditions

A rapid oxygen‐initiated and ‐regulated controlled radical polymerization was conducted under ambient temperature and atmosphere. The reaction between triethylborane and oxygen provides ethyl radicals, which initiate and mediate the radical polymerization. The controlled radical polymerization was achieved using RAFT chain transfer agents (CTA) without any process of removing oxygen, providing well‐defined polymers with almost full conversion (>95 %) in a short period (15 min). High‐throughput screening was used to discover the suitable conditions for various CTA and monomers. To show the versatility of this method, a polymer library containing 25 well‐defined polymers with different compositions (block and statistical copolymers) and molecular weights were synthesized in 1 h via high‐throughput synthesis technique. A polymer‐painting technique was developed using this method, forming films with spatial control and excellent control in molecular weight and dispersity.     

Understanding dispersity control in photo-atom transfer radical polymerization: Effect of degree of polymerization and kinetic evaluation

In photo-atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), dispersity can be efficiently controlled by varying the deactivator concentration. In this work, we provide mechanistic insight into dispersity-controlled photo-ATRP by conducting detailed kinetics under a range of conditions. For the lower dispersity polymers, a conventional first-order kinetic profile was observed accompanied by a linear evolution of number average molecular weight (M_n) with conversion while the reactions reached moderate to high conversions (between 66% and 93%). Whereas, when polymers of high dispersity were targeted, the M_n remained relatively constant throughout the polymerization and the reactions ceased at less than 50% of conversion. In particular, for Р= 1.84, a significant deviation between theoretical and experimental molecular weights was evident. This deviation was unambiguously attributed to slow initiation as indicated by ¹H NMR, where significant percentages of unreacted initiator were observed. Importantly, the addition of ligand at the polymerization plateau re-initiated the polymerization and led to the complete consumption of the unreacted initiator, thus enabling the synthesis of one-pot diblock copolymers. We subsequently evaluated the effect of the degree of polymerization (DP) on the obtained dispersity when a constant catalyst ratio was maintained. Based on the interpolation of those experiments results, we could predict experimental conditions for any desirable DPs and dispersities.     

Living Cationic Ring-Opening Polymerization of Hetero Diels–Alder Adducts to Give Multifactor-Controlled and Fast-Photodegradable Vinyl Polymers

Precise control of multiple structural parameters associated with vinyl polymers is important for producing materials with the desired properties and functions. While the development of living polymerization methods has provided a way to control the various structural parameters of vinyl polymers, the concomitant control of their sequence and regioregularity remains a challenging task. To overcome this challenge, herein, we report the living cationic ring-opening polymerization of hetero Diels–Alder adducts. The scalable and modular synthesis of the cyclic monomers was achieved by a one-step protocol using readily available vinyl precursors. Subsequently, living polymerization of the cyclic monomers was examined, allowing the synthesis of vinyl polymers while controlling multiple factors, including molecular weight, dispersity, alternating sequence, head-to-head regioregularity, and end-group functionality. The living characteristics of the developed method were further demonstrated by block copolymerization. The synthesized vinyl polymers exhibited unique thermal properties and underwent fast photodegradation even under sunlight.     

环境友好的可控自由基聚合*

近年来,我们以环境友好、简便快捷、活泼可控、单体普适性强的光活化室温RAFT聚合为主攻目标,针对长波紫外或可见光活化室温RAFT聚合反应特征及其应用展开了深入探讨。研究表明,作为RAFT聚合链转移剂的硫酯化合物具有分别在紫外光和可见光波段的双波段光吸收特征。短波紫外光强吸收,导致硫酯键的光解。然而,可见光波段弱的光吸收则活化其自由基加成产物的断裂反应,加速室温RAFT过程并确保聚合反应的活性特征。高效光引发,可显著缩短RAFT聚合引发期。通过光开关,可实时启动或终止聚合。与常规热聚合不同,室温以下这类聚合反应不存在明显的热活化效应。由此,我们创建了环境友好、单体普适性强、快速可控、通过光开关可实时控制聚合反应启动或终止的光活化室温RAFT聚合,将其成功拓展到太阳光和水溶液聚合体系,并运用于温和条件下新兴水溶性温敏高分子、仿生光响应高分子的快捷可控合成。     

Cationic RAFT Polymerization Using ppm Concentrations of Organic Acid

A metal‐free, cationic, reversible addition–fragmentation chain‐transfer (RAFT) polymerization was proposed and realized. A series of thiocarbonylthio compounds were used in the presence of a small amount of triflic acid for isobutyl vinyl ether to give polymers with controlled molecular weight of up to 1×10⁵ and narrow molecular‐weight distributions (M_w/M_n<1.1). This “living” or controlled cationic polymerization is applicable to various electron‐rich monomers including vinyl ethers, p‐methoxystyrene, and even p‐hydroxystyrene that possesses an unprotected phenol group. A transformation from cationic to radical RAFT polymerization enables the synthesis of block copolymers between cationically and radically polymerizable monomers, such as vinyl ether and vinyl acetate or methyl acrylate.     

Controlled bimodal molecular-weight-distribution polymers: facile synthesis by RAFT polymerization

The RAFT agents RAFT-1 and RAFT-2 were used for RAFT polymerization to synthesize well-defined bimodal molecular-weight-distribution (MWD) polymers. The system showed excellent controllability and "living" characteristics toward both the higher- and lower-molecular-weight fractions. It is important that bimodal higher-molecular-weight (HMW) polymers and block copolymers with both well-controlled molecular weight (MW) and MWD could be prepared easily due to the "living" features of RAFT polymerization. The strategy realized a mixture of higher/lower-molecular-weight polymers at the molecular level but also preserved the features of living radical polymerization (LRP) of the RAFT polymerization.     

BDC作为Iniferter引发苯乙烯聚合的研究

本文研究了由BDC(N,N-二乙基二硫代氨基甲酸苄酯)作为Iniferter(引发-转移-终止剂)引发苯乙烯的光聚合反应。发现转化率和分子量均随时间逐步增大,反应生成带有起始功能端基的聚合物。从顺磁谱可见BDC在光照射下分解生成的小分子自由基[·SSCN-(C_2H_5)_2]及较活泼的苄基自由基引发苯乙烯聚合产生的大分子增长自由基。探讨了这种活性自由基聚合反应机理。     

丙烯腈可控/"活性"自由基聚合研究进展

可控/"活性"自由基聚合能有效控制聚合物的分子量及其分布,并且能调控其微观拓扑结构。聚丙烯腈及其共聚物具有良好的成纤成膜性能,是一类应用十分广泛的聚合物。本文综述了可控/"活性"自由基聚合法合成聚丙烯腈及其共聚物的研究现状与进展,从氮氧自由基法(NMP)、引发转移终止剂法(iniferter)、原子转移自由基聚合(ATRP)和可逆加成-断裂链转移(RAFT)聚合等方面对丙烯腈均聚物和共聚物的合成研究作了全面的总结,提出了存在的问题,并且对今后的研究方向作了展望。     

Glucose oxidase deoxygenation−redox initiation for RAFT polymerization in air

A new methodology based on glucose oxidase (GOx) deoxygenation and hydrogen peroxide/vitamin C (H₂O₂/Vc) redox initiation for conducting RAFT polymerization at low temperature in air is reported. GOx catalyzes reduction of oxygen in the presence of glucose to generate hydrogen peroxide, which is directly used to constitute a redox pair with Vc for the efficient generation of hydroxyl radicals to initiate RAFT polymerization in air. Various experimental parameters including temperature, stirring speed, prepolymerization incubation time, and concentrations of Vc, glucose, and GOx were evaluated with respect to monomer conversion, molecular weight, and dispersity. Efficient removal of oxygen is typically realized within 10 min before polymerization is initiated by addition of Vc, and high conversions are achieved within 5 h. Well‐defined homopolymers and block copolymers have been efficiently synthesized with high monomer conversions and low dispersities (< 1.2). Using this new methodology, it is possible to conduct controlled RAFT polymerizations in both open and sealed vessels, though lower conversions but less termination by oxygen are typically observed for the sealed systems. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017 , 55, 164–174     

RAFT polymerization of alternating styrene‐pentafluorostyrene copolymers

Reversible addition‐fragmentation chain‐transfer (RAFT) polymerization was used to control the alternating copolymerization of styrene and 2,3,4,5,6‐pentaflurostyrene. The RAFT polymerization yields a high degree of control over the molecular weight of the polymers and does not significantly influence the reactivity ratios of the monomers. The controlled free‐radical polymerization could be initiated using AIBN at elevated temperatures or using a redox couple (benzoyl peroxide/N,N‐dimethylaniline) at room temperature, while maintaining control over molecular weight and dispersity. The influence of temperature and solvent on the molecular weight distribution and reactivity ratios were investigated. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014 , 52, 1555–1559     

Study of Solution Polymerization of Styrene in the Presence of Poly(ethylene glycol)-RAFT Agents Possessing Benzoyl Xanthate Derivatives

In this work, Macro-Reversible addition fragmentation termination (RAFT) agents based on poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) possessing different molecular weights and bearing benzoyl xanthate moieties were synthesized by the reaction of PEG potassium xanthate salts with benzoyl chloride, 4-methyl benzoyl chloride and 4-chloro benzoyl chloride. Controlled free radical polymerization of the styrene were carried out in the presence of these macro-RAFT agents using 2,2′-azobisizsobutyronitrile (AIBN) as an initiator to yield PS-b-PEG-b-PS block copolymers. The linear kinetic plot ln [M]_o/[M] vs. polymerization time indicated that was first order with reference to monomer concentration. The block copolymerization possessed controlled/living character. The controlled character of the RAFT polymerization of the styrene was confirmed by the formation of narrow polydispersity of the polymers, linear increases in the molecular weight with polymerization time and molecular weight of the products that agreed well with theoretical values. Polymers having relatively narrow molecular weight distributions and predetermined number average molecular weights were obtained by the RAFT polymerization of the styrene. However, molecular weights of the polymers deviated from the theoretical values when low molecular weight RAFT agents are used. The results indicate that PEG benzoyl xanthate RAFT agents can more efficiently control the polymerization comparing methyl or chlorobenzoyl derivatives. The block copolymers were characterized by spectroscopic and GPC methods.     

A new photoiniferter/RAFT agent for ambient temperature rapid and well‐controlled radical polymerization

Phenacyl morpholine‐4‐dithiocarbamate is synthesized and characterized. Its capability to act as both a photoiniferter and reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer agent for the polymerization of styrene is examined. Polymerization carried out in bulk under ultra violet irradiation at above 300 nm at room temperature shows controlled free radical polymerization characteristics up to 50% conversions and produces well‐defined polymers with molecular weights close to those predicted from theory and relatively narrow poyldispersities (M_w/M_n ～ 1.30). End group determination and block copolymerization with methyl acrylate suggest that morpholino dithiocarbamate groups were attained at the end of the polymer. Photolysis and polymerization studies revealed that polymerization proceeds via both reversible termination and RAFT mechanisms. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 3387–3395, 2008     

Ultra-fast microwave enhanced reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization: monomers to polymers in minutes

Microwave mediated RAFT polymerization leads to ultra-fast polymerizations, whilst keeping excellent control over molecular weights and molecular weight distributions; this is the first example of such a dramatic effect of microwaves on living radical polymerization kinetics, and it shows the potential for chemists to produce very well controlled polymers in a matter of minutes.